In this episode, our host sits down with Carola, the owner of the Wellness Institute, to explore her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur. They discuss her passion for health and wellness, her company’s mission to provide safer, natural products, and the importance of holistic living. Carola also shares her incredible personal story of resilience after surviving a life-altering tragedy and how it shaped her business mindset. Tune in for valuable insights on business growth, overcoming challenges...
Mar 07, 2025•26 min
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Lynch, founder of The Only Timeline (TOTL), a global production company specializing in video, photography, and graphic design. Tyler shares his journey from studying mass communications to building a successful creative business, starting with viral Vine videos and landing major brand collaborations. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and passion in creative work, and his vision for expanding TOTL worldwide. Don't m...
Mar 07, 2025•30 min
In this episode, we sit down with Jay Young, a fourth-generation oil and gas entrepreneur and the founder of King Operating Corporation. Jay shares insights into his company’s mission—raising capital to invest in oil and gas projects, including drilling and frack sand ventures. He discusses his journey in the industry, the challenges of fundraising, and the lessons learned from past financial struggles. Jay also reflects on the importance of strategic investments, the complexities of hiring, and...
Mar 07, 2025•29 min
In this episode, we sit down with the founder of 8T8 Partners, an investment firm focused on acquiring and optimizing trucking companies. He shares his bold strategy for transforming an industry plagued by inefficiencies, his past experience in cybersecurity roll-ups, and the hard lessons he learned from betrayal in business. From losing a company to building a new empire in trucking, he reveals insights on resilience, hiring talent over credentials, and why trusting your instincts is key to suc...
Mar 07, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Business Spotlight, we feature Michael Hannaway, a Chartered Surveyor and founder of Landsurvey Group, a company renowned for its accuracy, professionalism and efficiency in delivering mapping, measuring and modelling services. With over 42 years of experience in land surveying, Michael has witnessed remarkable technological advancements that have transformed the industry, keeping him adaptable and continuously learning. Landsurvey Group works across Ireland and Great Britain,...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
Hear Rene Soliz describe his first propensity for business ownership... In third grade. He started and lost his first business by middle school. An Indeed post changed everything for Rene Soliz. Rene has a heart for veterans, business owners and executives. He wants to show them their own yellow brick road to financial success. He has great advise about when business owners need to take a leap of faith (like Indiana Jones). Freedom Wealth is his way of being impactful, while spending his time wi...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min
In this episode we're diving deep into mindset transformation with Haydn Griffiths, a passionate mindset coach who helps people break through their limitations and step into their true potential. Hayden shares powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, the mindset shifts that drive business success, and how resilience is built through life’s toughest challenges. From navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to practical strategies for staying focused and motivated In this episode, he s...
Feb 27, 2025•22 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Rachel Watkyn, founder and chair of the Tiny Box Company, a pioneer in ethical and recycled luxury packaging. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, from launching Tiny Box Company as a market disruptor to her experience on Dragon’s Den, securing investment and overcoming self-doubt to create a business now employing over 100 people. They discuss the challenges of sustainability in business, navigating financial uncertainty, and the importance of resilien...
Feb 27, 2025•31 min
In this episode of Business Spotlight, we chat with Laura Middleton, the driving force behind Farm Adventure—home to the UK’s wackiest outdoor activities for grown-ups. With locations in Yorkshire and Shropshire, Farm Adventure proves that fun isn’t just for kids! Laura shares her inspiring journey, which began 14 years ago when she answered an ad for a voluntary role to help farmer Rob start the business—a partnership that blossomed both professionally and personally, as Rob is now her husband....
Feb 27, 2025•19 min
Learn about Brad's insights on being an entrepreneur in the health care industry focused on supporting start ups and more-established organizations that are breaking into new markets. The importance of continual learning and what it is like to go to grad school in your 40's and having a different perspective. The value of having mentors and thought partners in your life, and the freedom to be able to say "no" when the fit isn't right and being ok with that. LinkedIn URL: / brad-nations-mshct-1a1...
Feb 27, 2025•28 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Alex Hill, Managing Director of Whitecode Consulting, a leading building services consultancy specialising in mechanical and electrical design for large residential and mixed-use developments in Greater London. Alex shares his journey from the company's first employee to Managing Director and ultimately a management buyout. He discusses key strategies for business growth, including opening an office in Durban, South Africa, staff retention through apprentices...
Feb 27, 2025•31 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Ed Robbins, CEO of Fresh Start in Education, a company dedicated to re-engaging students who have been excluded from school or are out of education. Ed shares the tailored approach Fresh Start takes to inspire hope and reintegrate students into education or employment through personalised activities and relationship-building. They discuss Ed's journey from admin assistant to CEO, his focus on strategic growth, maintaining company culture, and fostering collab...
Feb 27, 2025•24 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Will Sanderson, Managing Director of Shell-Clad Ltd, a UK-based company specialising in sustainable modular exhibition stand solutions. Will shares how Shell-Clad's patented reusable clip system reduces waste while catering to exhibitors, agencies, and event organisers. The conversation delves into Will’s journey as a Managing Director, overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of delegation and authenticity...
Feb 27, 2025•21 min
Turning your passion into a business. In this episode, Don Martin, the founder of Winnie's Original, shares his journey. He transformed his love for a jam his mum created in 2013 into a successful side business. He discusses the leap of faith required to dive into the business world. Don also talks about the challenges of managing a business while maintaining a full-time job. Additionally, he covers the various tasks needed to build a successful business. You can get in touch with Don Martin her...
Feb 27, 2025•22 min
In today's Business Spotlight Series, we speak with Ryan Schachtner. Ryan is the Co-Founder of Success Beyond Game Day, an organization that works with athletes to extend their skills and impact beyond the game. They help connect the dots between sports and life through customized tools and programs that focus on comprehension, application and implementation. Similar to ActionCOACH of Lake Norman, their focus starts with the individual and their mindset. Mental performance remains a key to succe...
Feb 27, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Business Spotlight, we feature Cormac Carville, a Chartered Civil Engineer and the co-founder and Managing Director of YardBox. Born out of frustration during the pandemic, YardBox began as a solution to the lack of dedicated home working spaces, with Cormac designing the concept and his family helping bring it to life. The business quickly pivoted post-COVID, evolving into home gyms, alternative living spaces and now even golf simulators! Cormac credits the company’s success ...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Garrett Greenlee of Day Arc Environmental Systems. While Garrett has an engineering background, his passion is in the Cannabis industry on the production side. In this interview, he shares how he uses his experience to deliver a market- disrupting, next-level product! All while navigating a marketplace that is constantly changing. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused. You can get in touch with Garret...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Business Spotlight Series, host Kay Cote sits down with Greg Freeman, CEO of Data Literacy Academy, to explore the fascinating intersection of business, data, and people. Greg shares his journey of launching a thriving business in 2022, scaling to 80 team members, and partnering with top enterprises like ASOS and BAE Systems. Learn how Data Literacy Academy empowers companies with innovative education and cultural transformation programs, helping non-technical professional...
Feb 26, 2025•22 min
From Marine pilot to passionate entrepreneur, meet Andy Shetterly, owner of Peak Performance Sports Therapy. They specialize in therapies for pain relief and enabling peak performance for a wide range of patients including elite & professional athletes. He shares his long-standing passion in helping people via massage and physical therapy methods while also sharing how he transitioned from commercial pilot to owning his own practice. By providing industry leading capabilities, Andy and team ...
Feb 26, 2025•29 min
Manoj Mistry, IBOS Association Ltd. Some insights from this episode: Don't be afraid to take risk. Test the water and do research. You can get in touch with Manoj here on LinkedIn: / manoj-mistry 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website: https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #bus...
Feb 26, 2025•13 min
In this podcast, we're talking to Josh Lenthal, the CEO of Active Oxfordshire. He explains how his charity promotes physical activity across Oxfordshire. Josh emphasizes the importance of having a clear, positive vision and principles. These guide the team members in making decisions about which projects to undertake and who is best suited to execute these initiatives. He specifically discusses the benefits of assembling a diverse team. This team shares common goals and has a clear understanding...
Feb 26, 2025•18 min
Join host Kay Cote as she dives deep into the inspiring journey of Aamar Khwaja, CEO of MoD Garden. Discover how Aamar transitioned from 15 years on Wall Street to becoming a passionate entrepreneur revolutionizing urban farming. Aamar shares his personal story of overcoming health challenges, the alarming truths about industrial farming, and how MoD Garden is bringing fresh, nutrient-rich food closer to urbanites. In this episode, you'll learn: The "why" behind MoD Garden and its mission to emp...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Jonathan Ross, Co-Founder and Director of Vision Scotland. Starting as a small family business, Jonathan embarked on a journey to build a great business. His vision rocket fuelled his ambition and self-belief to build the business he has today. Keeping focused on the one thing, taking a leap of faith and overcoming self-doubt in his journey, spotting great talent to build a great team, building a great culture, being brilliant and passionate at ...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Alida sits down with James Battershill, founder of Echo Square, to discuss his journey of building a business in the highly specialised field of water tank relining and replacement. From starting in 2019 to working on prestigious projects like Buckingham Palace and massive data centres, James shares insights on what it takes to grow a business in a niche industry. Topics Covered: How James started Echo Square and scaled it over nearly 6 years What sets Echo Square apart from com...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Stacie Boord – CEO of Shadowbox Live, an ensemble theatre company with over 30 years of multi-city production success! Stacie shares her success stories of taking care of her people and being “One hell of a sales person!”. Our interview covers a story of “Artists pursuing a dream” and creating business success from creative minds. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused. You can get in touch with Stacie...
Feb 26, 2025•34 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Curran Hennessey of STAFF Now – a long-term, temporary staffing agency. Curran has been in the temporary staffing industry for over 4 years. STAFF Now experienced 65% growth in 2024 and believes it’s uniqueness from others in this market springs from it’s track record of providing dependable labor when clients call. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused. You can get in touch with Curran Hennessey here...
Feb 26, 2025•19 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Mark Whitman – Owner of TeamBuilder Search – “A Life Improvement Company". Mark shares his success stories of overcoming great personal health challenges to become the leader of an executive search /recruiting company with a culture of improving life for all involved. As he shares his story, it’s obvious both his and his company’s superpower is perseverance. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused. You ...
Feb 26, 2025•33 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews James English, co-owner and CEO of Vehicle Smart, one of the UK's leading platforms for learner drivers and vehicle owners. James shares the journey of developing his innovative apps, tackling challenges like adapting to changes in technology, and balancing the demands of business ownership. They discuss key lessons in pricing, the importance of processes, hiring challenges, and viewing employees as investments in growth. James reflects on starting Vehicle Sm...
Feb 26, 2025•24 min
Should you involve your young son or daughter in the business? ABSOLUTELY! Look at Wugs! Watch this podcast and learn how Whitney Atkinson was inspired by a common problem along the Coastal Bend. She made improvements to her own outdoor rug and after a weather event realized, "We might have something here." Hear her advice for business owners about branding, giving back to the community, bookkeeping and scaling a business. Oh, and let her tell you how her whole family participates. Contact Whit ...
Feb 25, 2025•14 min
Join host Ted Schmidt on the Business Spotlight Series as he speaks with Tara Malek, owner and litigator at Smith + Malek, about the challenges of balancing high-performance leadership with personal well-being. Tara shares her journey in the legal world and the pressures of running a business while striving to take care of herself. She discusses the importance of prioritising well-being to function at her best and show up fully for both her clients and her team. Tune in for an insightful convers...
Feb 18, 2025•16 min
